Sociology Summer 2023 Courses

SOC 105 Individual, Group and Society: An Introduction to Sociology (3 Credits)

The language of sociology, the sociological perspective, and basic areas of sociological inquiry. Topics include: culture, socialization, self and society, social stratification and social class, the family, religion, policy, community organization, collective behavior, mass culture, social order and social change. This course fulfills a general education requirement and is required for Sociology majors and minors.

SOC 31925/PSY 31925: Sexuality, Gender, and Disability (3 Credits)

This course applies a critical lens to the study of sexuality, gender, and disability.We examine how social oppression is experienced by persons whose physical,cognitive, or psychological characteristics fall outside of socially constructed norms. In particular, we investigate the complex historical influences that impact how people discuss sexuality and disability. For example, people with disabilities have been considered asexual, hypersexual, or as victims, all of which deny their agency as sexual beings. We use disability, feminist, critical sexuality, and queer theories to explore and question various issues effecting the sexual lives and experiences of persons with disabilities and how these might help us understand gender and sexuality more generally. To understand the intersection of sexuality and disability, we engage with scholarly readings, news articles, popular media,social media, and TV shows/movies.

SOC 37700 Undocumented Belonging and Immigrant Experience in the United States (3 Credits)

This course explores the lives of undocumented immigrants, students in particular. Considers how the "illegal immigrant" was defined as a problem and varied solutions pursued by governments, civil society, helping professions, advocates, and artists. Then focuses on the lives of undocumented students and how they navigate education, employment, and public spaces.

SOC 31926/BLST 31926/ WS 32463 Sociology & Queer of Color Critique (3 Credits)

Why are mainstream LGBTQ+ studies and queer theories so white-centered, while theorizations of race and ethnicity pose heterosexuality as the norm? Using the interdisciplinary framework of Queer of Color Critique, we explore how to expand and challenge the heterosexual and white-centered assumptions of sociology of sexualities, gender, and race through the perspectives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color. To examine how such social constructions of sexualities and gender intersect with race, ethnicity, class, ability, and other social identity categories, we examine macro level issues of colonialism, imperialism, immigration and migration, mass incarceration and policing as they pertain to racial and sexual/gender minorities. We will also cover immediate and ongoing issues, such as transphobia, drag queen phobia, activism/social movements, media representation, homelessness, and book banning that impact the everyday experiences of LGBTQ+ people, especially queer youth.

SOC 31956 Immigration Narratives: Interconnected stories of our pasts, ourselves and future generations (3 Credits)

What are our stories, and what can we share with future generations? In this course, students will explore and critique federal, state, and local policies, ranging from DACA to everyday paperwork, that impact immigration and migrant experiences in the United States. Students will conduct interview-based research about the migration-related experiences and histories of their families, friends, community members, and others. In undertaking this research, students will understand how individual histories and biographies intersect with longstanding, systemic inequalities. Students will learn about major events in the history of migration to the US, how to design and carry out qualitative research projects, and explore creative ways of sharing these with wider audience. Students' work will contribute towards an open-access textbook on the Sociology of Immigration that will be taught in future classes.

SOC 31194: Peoples of New York City: Sociological Perspectives on the Development of the City (3 Credits)

This course will examine the development of the city of New York from the Lenape peoples to the present day with a specific emphasis on race, class, and gender. The course will examine and analyze the systems and structures that have shaped New York City, while seeking to understand how social groups have pursued change inside and outside of such structures. We will utilize New York City as a primary source and conduct field trips to locations discussed throughout the course - these field trips may take place during class time or on student's own time.

Wed., Aug. 2 - Tues., Aug. 22, 2023

Aug. 2nd & 3rd will be held synchronously, with details for class assignments and expectations shared in advance via email and Blackboard. The first in-person class will meet on Mon., August 7th at 2:30pm.